Travel Alert: Tanker Fire Closes I-75

Late Wednesday afternoon, weather reportedly played a role in a fiery crash at the intersection of I-75 and Hwy. 301 in Bradenton. A tanker truck plunged off of an I-75 bridge and onto Hwy. 301 and exploded. The resulting fire closed both highways for hours and southbound I-75 will remain closed indefinitely between Exits 220B (State Road 64 West) and 228 (I-275 North). Northbound I-75 has reopened and may be used for north-south traffic if barriers were installed. At this time motorists are encouraged to avoid the area and find alternate routes. The usually heavy commuter traffic at Exit 224 (Hwy 301) will undoubtedly be snarled. The exit is is located at the popular Prime Outlets Ellenton and merchants are worried that the closure and resulting traffic disruption will affect business.

Read more and view photos on the crash from The Bradenton Herald.